"Hush Puppies" sweat suits

CPSC Recall #89-080 - August 21, 1989

Recall Summary

Recall Number89-080
Recall DateAugust 21, 1989
Remedy TypeRefund
Units AffectedApproximately 47,000

Product

"Hush Puppies" sweat suits

Description

WASHINGTON, DC -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), The Haddad Group, Ltd. of Bayonne, New Jersey is recalling its "Hush Puppies" sweat suits, which contain squeakers that are potential choking hazards for infants and toddlers. All sizes, from 3 Months to 4 Toddler, and all colors of the sweat suits are being recalled. Approximately 47,000 suits were sold at Montgomery Ward stores from August to December 15, 1988, at which time they were removed from sale. The Haddad Group, Montgomery Ward and CPSC are aware of two incidents in which the squeaker or its 1/2 inch noisemaking tube was found in a child's mouth; neither incident resulted in an injury. "Hush Puppies" sweat suits are 100 percent acrylic two-piece sets. The sweatshirt is decorated with a plastic decal of a "Hush Puppies" dog. The heat-sealed decal can come loose and release a small squeaker inserted behind it. The squeaker contains a one-half inch noisemaking tube that can separate and become a potential choking hazard for young children. Identifying labels which read, "Hush Puppies Boyswear," are sewn inside the neck of the sweatshirts. Plastic white letters which read, "Hush Puppies," are heat-sealed above or below the decal on the front of the sweatshirts. Consumers should immediately discontinue using the sweat suits and bring them to any Montgomery Ward store for a full refund or send them to The Haddad Group, Ltd., 90 East 5th Street, Bayonne, NJ 07002 for a full refund plus postage. For additional information, consumers may call The Haddad Group, Ltd. at 1-800-221-2494. In New York call collect at 212-685-4141.  

Hazard

The squeaker contains a one-half inch noisemaking tube that can separate and become a potential choking hazard for young children.

Incidents & Injuries

The Haddad Group, Montgomery Ward and CPSC are aware of two incidents in which the squeaker or its 1/2 inch noisemaking tube was found in a child's mouth; neither incident resulted in an injury.

Remedy Instructions

Consumers should immediately discontinue using the sweat suits and bring them to any Montgomery Ward store for a full refund or send them to The Haddad Group, Ltd., 90 East 5th Street, Bayonne, NJ 07002 for a full refund plus postage.

What Should You Do?

Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Refund at no charge. If you experienced an injury, report it at SaferProducts.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

Follow the consumer action instructions in the recall notice above. Most recalls require you to stop using the product and contact the manufacturer directly, either by calling the toll-free number listed in the official CPSC notice or by visiting the manufacturer's website. You generally do not need a receipt or original packaging to claim a remedy. The manufacturer is legally required to provide the remedy (Refund) at no cost to you.

Federal law prohibits the sale of toys with small parts for children under age 3. CPSC uses a standardized small parts cylinder to test whether pieces from a toy can fit entirely inside, if they can, they are considered a choking hazard. Products marketed for children under 3 must not contain any small parts. Beyond the legal requirements, the CPSC and pediatricians recommend keeping all small objects away from children under 4, as the risk of choking extends beyond the formal legal age threshold.

In most cases, no. CPSC-coordinated recall remedies are designed to be accessible without proof of purchase. Manufacturers typically ask consumers to self-certify ownership and may ask for photos of the product or its serial number. Some manufacturers request that you mail in a portion of the product (such as a cut cord or removed component) as proof of disposal. Check the specific remedy instructions for this recall for exact requirements. If you registered your product at the time of purchase, the process is usually even simpler.

If the original manufacturer has gone out of business, the recall remedy may no longer be available through them. In this case, contact CPSC directly at 1-800-638-2772 or cpsc.gov for guidance. If the brand was acquired by another company, the acquiring company may have assumed recall obligations. In some cases where a remedy is unavailable, CPSC advises consumers to safely dispose of the product. If you were injured by the product of a defunct company, consult a product liability attorney, parent companies, distributors, and retailers may still bear liability in some circumstances.